When the 2022-2023 NBA season wrapped up, the coaching carousel started up again. Former-COY winners found new homes while contending and rebuilding franchises alike looked ahead for their next head coaches. There was speculation that the Wizards would also be entering the coaching market. However, Michael Winger stood pat behind third-year head coach Wes Unseld Jr. In fact, the organization activated Unseld Jr.’s contract option, meaning he will be with the team through next season as well. The Wizards are entering a time of rebuilding, and their head coach represents one of the only threads of consistency in the organization. With preseason now wrapped, we can look at the year ahead for Wes Unseld Jr.
Wes Unseld Jr. Has Interesting Year Ahead
Tempering Expectations
Unseld Jr. stands at the helm of a long-overdue rebuild. In the past two seasons that he has overseen the Wizards, they have finished 35-47 both times. While not good enough to make the playoffs or play-in tournament, the team remained competitively mediocre. This mediocrity has spoiled Wizards fans the last three seasons. With talented players like Bradley Beal, Russell Westbrook, and Kristaps Porzingis on their roster they could expect a certain level of basketball. The franchise was never grouped with the dredges of the association, but likewise could never enter the tier of truly competitive playoff teams. Wizards fans will have to adjust to the new reality that they are now a rebuilding team. This means that certain games will get ugly, and the team could slump through stretches of the season. Managing the fan’s expectations will be a larger responsibility for Unseld Jr. than in years prior.
Developing Young Talent
Speaking with the media, Unseld Jr. made note of the fact that the Wizards enter the season with eight rostered players who are 24 years old or younger. As such, it was no surprise to see “player development” emerge as one of the key phrases during preseason. One area where Unseld Jr. inspires confidence is that of player development. He served as an assistant coach for the Denver Nuggets during the years preceding their championship. He has seen the infrastructure and process necessary for an organization to build a competitive, homegrown roster.
Much of the talk surrounding developing talent focuses on three players, Deni Avdija, Bilal Coulibaly, and Johnny Davis. While much has been written about the first two, see attached links, Davis enters the season with myriad expectations. Spending much of last season putting in his time with the Go-Go, Davis was not given a chance to properly break through with the NBA squad. Many are speculating as to where Davis will slot into a rotation that has four guards likely preferred to him. In his press conference, Unseld Jr. stated that he didn’t want to put “any expectations” on Davis’ role or minutes this season. However, it has to be noted that Unseld Jr. believes “it’s important to get the young guys the opportunity (in the NBA) when they can.” Hopefully, this means plenty of minutes for the Wizard’s youngest members.
Supervising the Poole Party
Chief amongst the Wizards “24 and Under” group is Jordan Poole. Though Poole is only 24, he is an NBA champion and one of the more experienced players on the roster. Following his trade to Washington, Poole became the lead guard in DC. Off the court, Poole brings a level of media attention to the franchise that D.C. has not seen in recent years. While on it Unseld Jr. mentioned that the ball will be in his hands for long stretches.
These factors create situations like what we saw in this clip from Wednesday’s game. Poole catches the ball on a kickout, with two people to swing a pass to. Instead, he opts to step back for a semi-contested three-pointer, which he knocks down. Moments like this are tricky for a coach, as you want to promote the “correct” basketball play, but it is difficult to call off your lead guard. Especially since Poole was in the middle of a 41-point explosion. Unseld Jr. expressed a desire to see Poole “quarterback the offense,” with a focus on finding ways to get his teammates involved and make the correct reads each night. Poole will be a franchise cornerstone for the Wizards over the next few seasons. Certainly, one of Unseld Jr.’s main focuses will be facilitating the next step in the young guard’s growth.
Laying Foundations
Wes Unseld Jr. has been part of rebuilds before, and now he will have the opportunity to lead one. He emphasized a change in playstyle, leaning towards exciting, open-floor basketball. This group has a clean slate to implement the coach’s plan for this season, and beyond. Furthermore, Unseld Jr.’s roster is a unique blend of young talent and steady veterans, that can grow together for years to come. While the year ahead for Wes Unseld Jr. and the Wizards has the potential to be rocky. Their coach and core are locked in for the next couple of seasons, and the turnaround is underway. At the bedrock of it all is Unseld Jr. who is more vital than ever.
